âMom, what are you doing?â Mitchel asked, feeling resigned.
Catalina wiped away a tear and replied with a blend of sorrow and resolve, âThis moment is precious.
Let me capture it.
â
Without a word, Mitchel watched as his mother, slightly overbearing, set the privacy of the post to only herself and typed: âMy dear son, seriously injured for the first time.
Itâs heartbreaking.
â
Then, she pressed the post button.
Mitchel was speechless, uncertain about Catalinaâs next move if she lingered.
He quickly said, âReally, Iâm fine now.
You can go home.
I donât need anyone to watch over me.
Please check on grandpa for me.
â
Catalina, with a sense of acceptance, replied, âIt looks like my son has really grown up.
â She dabbed at her tears and said, âIt seems you donât need your mother anymore.
â As she spoke, she gently took
Arianaâs hand and gave it a reassuring pat.
âIâm leaving my son in your care then.
â
Ariana responded, âOkay, no problem.
Donât worry; Iâll look after him.
â
Catalina nodded in approval.
Just as she was about to leave, something came to mind, and she turned back to say seriously, âBy the way, we havenât told Mitchelâs grandfather about this yet.
Please keep it between us.
Heâs getting on in years, and I worry about how he might take the news.
â
Everyone nodded in agreement.
After a sorrowful glance at Mitchel, Catalina left.
After Catalina had left the room, Ariana walked to Mitchelâs bed and offered, âIâll get some fruit ready for you.
Just relax here and try not to move too much.
â
âOkay,â Mitchel replied.
Once Ariana had gone, only Holden and Mitchel were left in the spacious ward.
One stood while the other rested against the bed, both remaining silent.
The tension in the room was palpable.
It was clear that Holden had something on his mind, but after a long pause, he merely managed to say, âThank you.
â
âYouâre welcome,â Mitchel responded swiftly, and then silence enveloped the room again.
Clearly, neither of them knew how to continue the conversation, making the atmosphere awkward once more.
During the silence, Holden appeared uncertain about whether to sit or stand, echoing Mitchelâs discomfort.
Just then, a meal cart bearing nutritious dishes was wheeled in.
Looking at the cart, Holden offered, âWould you like some?â
Trying to add a bit of warmth to the conversation, Holden added, âI ordered this nutritious meal especially for you.
â
Mitchel gave a nod and replied, âThanks.
â
âYouâre welcome,â Holden replied dryly.
The silence in the ward resumed.
The nurse came in, set the nutritious meal on the small table, and left.
The meal was quite hearty.
Mitchel looked at it and sat up straighter.
Just as he was about to eat, he saw Holden sit down next to the table.
Holden reached for the food first.